What is the street drug called Reds? Secobarbital and the Dangers of Barbiturate Abuse

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Once widely abused for their sedating effects in the mid-20th century, the street drug called Reds is the barbiturate secobarbital, most commonly known by its brand name, Seconal. Historically packaged in bright red bullet-shaped capsules, 'reds' were largely replaced by benzodiazepines in clinical practice due to their extremely high potential for fatal overdose and severe, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Quick Summary

The street drug known as Reds is secobarbital (Seconal), a powerful barbiturate. Due to its high abuse potential and risk of fatal overdose, its recreational use declined after the 1970s but still poses significant dangers.

Key Points

Identity and Origin: The street drug called 'Reds' is secobarbital, a powerful barbiturate formerly sold under the brand name Seconal and known for its red capsules.
High Abuse Potential: As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, secobarbital creates relaxation and euphoria, but also leads to rapid tolerance and physical dependence.
Extreme Overdose Risk: Overdosing on 'reds' is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal due to severe respiratory depression.
Life-Threatening Withdrawal: Abruptly stopping secobarbital use can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium, which require medical supervision.
Dangerously Narrow Safety Margin: There is a fine line between a recreational dose and a lethal dose, a risk that increases with continued use and tolerance.
Medically Supervised Detox: Due to the severe risks of withdrawal, a medically supervised detox program is the essential first step for safe recovery from barbiturate addiction.
Combination with Alcohol: Mixing 'reds' with other depressants, such as alcohol, drastically increases the risk of a fatal overdose.

Origins and Decline of the Street Drug Called Reds

Developed in the 1930s, secobarbital is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that was originally used to treat insomnia and as a sedative. The brand name version, Seconal, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, was easily recognized by its red or orange capsule, leading to street names like 'reds' or 'red devils'. 'Reds' were widely misused in the 1960s and 70s for their euphoric effects. However, the significant dangers of barbiturates became apparent, particularly the narrow margin between a therapeutic and lethal dose. Safer alternatives, such as benzodiazepines, became more common in the 1980s, leading to a decline in the medical use of barbiturates. Today, secobarbital is a highly controlled substance with limited medical uses, but it is still a concern due to its history of abuse.

Pharmacological Effects of Secobarbital

Secobarbital affects the brain's GABA system, enhancing the inhibitory effects of this neurotransmitter and slowing down CNS activity. This results in effects such as sedation, hypnosis, reduced anxiety, decreased inhibitions, and slowed vital signs. Users may seek the initial euphoria, but quickly develop tolerance, requiring higher doses and increasing overdose risk.

The Extreme Dangers of Overdose

The most serious risk with 'reds' is overdose, which can be fatal due to the small difference between an effective dose and a toxic one.

Symptoms of a Barbiturate Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include severe respiratory depression, impaired coordination, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, and potentially death. Combining barbiturates with other depressants like alcohol or opioids significantly increases the risk of a fatal respiratory collapse.

Addiction and the Perilous Path to Withdrawal

Secobarbital has a high potential for abuse, with physical and psychological dependence developing quickly. Physical dependence means the body needs the drug to function, and stopping use can cause severe withdrawal.

Dangers of Barbiturate Withdrawal

Barbiturate withdrawal is both uncomfortable and potentially fatal, unlike opioid withdrawal. It can lead to life-threatening complications if not medically managed. Early symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, tremors, and nausea. More severe symptoms can include delirium, hallucinations, and grand mal seizures. In severe cases, withdrawal can result in circulatory failure and death.

Barbiturates vs. Benzodiazepines: A Comparison of Depressants


Feature	Barbiturates ('Reds', Secobarbital)	Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
Mechanism	Modulate the GABA receptor to a greater extent, increasing risk.	Potentiate GABA's effects, but with a wider safety margin.
Abuse Potential	Very high, leading to rapid development of tolerance and dependence.	High, but generally considered less addictive than barbiturates.
Overdose Risk	Extremely high and life-threatening due to severe respiratory depression.	Safer than barbiturates; overdose is possible but less likely to be fatal on its own.
Withdrawal Severity	Potentially life-threatening, with a high risk of seizures and delirium.	Can be severe and uncomfortable, but less likely to be fatal than barbiturate withdrawal.
Primary Use (Historical)	Insomnia, seizures, pre-surgical sedation.	Anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia.

Treatment for Barbiturate Addiction

Due to the severe risks of withdrawal, medically supervised detoxification is essential for barbiturate addiction. During detox, medical professionals monitor the patient and may use tapering or other medications to manage withdrawal safely.

Following detox, treatment may involve inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, utilizing behavioral therapies like CBT and CM to address the psychological aspects of addiction. Recovery often includes family therapy, support groups, and aftercare. Further information can be found at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Conclusion

The street drug called Reds, or secobarbital, is a dangerous and addictive barbiturate. While less common now, its risks remain severe, including a high potential for fatal overdose due to a narrow safety margin and the life-threatening nature of withdrawal. Seeking immediate medical help is crucial for anyone struggling with barbiturate addiction, as professional treatment is the safest route to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

The street drug called Reds is secobarbital, a powerful and highly addictive barbiturate drug. It was historically sold under the brand name Seconal in red capsules, which gave it the popular street name.

Reds have depressant effects on the central nervous system, leading to feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and lowered inhibitions, similar to alcohol intoxication. Side effects can include slurred speech, confusion, impaired judgment, and poor coordination.

The use of 'reds' declined significantly after the 1970s primarily due to its high addiction potential, extreme risk of fatal overdose, and the development of safer alternatives, like benzodiazepines. The small margin between a recreational dose and a lethal one made it particularly dangerous.

A barbiturate overdose can cause severe respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing), slow heart rate, coma, and ultimately death. The danger is heightened when combined with other depressants like alcohol.

Yes, withdrawal from barbiturates like 'reds' is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. It can cause severe symptoms, including dangerous seizures, delirium, and hallucinations, and must be managed in a medical setting.

Addiction to 'reds' is treated with a medically supervised detox, where the user is slowly tapered off the drug. This is followed by inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation, which includes a variety of therapies like CBT and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.

While both are CNS depressants, barbiturates like 'reds' have a much higher risk of fatal overdose and more dangerous withdrawal symptoms compared to benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are generally considered safer and have largely replaced barbiturates in modern medicine.